Today is the last date for submission of applications for bids for 5G spectrum auction

Today, July 8 is the last date for submission of applications for bids for the 5G spectrum auction. The last date for earnest money deposit is July 20.

Eligibility criteria to participate in the auction

• Any licensee that holds a Unified Access Service License (UASL)/ Unified License (UL) with authorization for access services for that Licensed Service Area (LSA); or
• Any licensee that fulfils the eligibility criteria for obtaining a UL with authorization for access services, and gives an undertaking to obtain a UL with authorization for access services; or
• Any entity that gives an undertaking to obtain a UL with authorization for access services through a New Entrant Nominee as per the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines/ license conditions, can bid for the Spectrum in 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz & 26 GHz Bands subject to other provisions of the notice.

All the three leading telcos – Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea – have tested their networks and demonstrated that they are 5G ready.

The auction is scheduled to begin on July 26, 2022. The government is banking on spectrum auctions to fill its coffers. But analysts suggest it should temper its expectations and not expect a repeat of 4G spectrum auctions.

CT Bureau